Which root trainer to buy?

[salome2001]

the deep ones are good for sweetcorn leeks and peas but they are quite deep if your seeds don't need it, the rapid roottrainers are not as deep and are more like bog standard modules.
The lids are nice but probably not necessary (or worth the extra cost) as decent (tall) hard plastic lids from regular seed/ gravel trays fit fine.
Agree with putting the frames in a gravel tray... apparently they are fine to suspend in air but I have to protect the conservatory windowsill and they do leak a little compost.
I really like root trainers, mainly because they are easy to open and plant out, compared to regular module trays, which I seem to destroy yo get the seedlings out, as well as having the plug of compost disintegrate...

[veggiechicken]

Many thanks Salome!
With my luck, nobody will be selling them tomorrow

[salome2001]

someone will... but not at great discount over RRP I would expect (not at edible garden show anyway). The root trainer stand there did have bottle top waterers though- absolutely brilliant for watering seedlings, everyone asks where I got them

[veggiechicken]

I bought 2 of those bottle top waterers last year. £1 each, I think. You've reminded me that that is stand to look for.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Hope you have sorted out your spending pennies. Would hate to think of you going short later in the week, as this sounds as if it could get expensive.

Have a good time, you can tell us all about it when you get back.

Colin

[veggiechicken]

Thank you Potty! My spending power is also limited by what I can carry on the bus and for the long walk uphill home. So the root trainers may be OK as they're lightweight (I hope).
I shall bore you all senseless with my exploits tomorrow!!

[Potstubsdustbins]

Judging by my root trainers I think even I could manage that, they literally grams.

I am away now, again have a good time I await to be bored in the nicest possible way of course.

Colin

[Alison]

Thanks Alison. So I could buy one frame but 2 different depths of root trainer and it wouldn't matter which I used

That would certainly work with what I've got but I have had them quite a few years and they might have changed the design so it would be worth checking before you buy with the seller.

[veggiechicken]

Will do! I shall cross-examine him/her and see what he/she says.

[veggiechicken]

Update:- I tried very very hard to cross-examine the vendor of the root-trainers with all the questions that I have subjected you to recently.- But, it was virtually impossible to get a word in! Once his patter had started there was no way to stop it until it reached the end. He did say that he cuts off the protruding roots with scissors ( so much for air shrivelling!).
Needless to say, I bought some - the Show special: 2 sets of large & 2 sets of small, with frames and see through lids for £21.
Now to try filling them with compost, inserting the "books" and sowing some seeds.
Thanks for all your help and patience!!

[VirginVegGrower]

Update:- I tried very very hard to cross-examine the vendor of the root-trainers with all the questions that I have subjected you to recently.- But, it was virtually impossible to get a word in! Once his patter had started there was no way to stop it until it reached the end. He did say that he cuts off the protruding roots with scissors ( so much for air shrivelling!).
Needless to say, I bought some - the Show special: 2 sets of large & 2 sets of small, with frames and see through lids for £21.
Now to try filling them with compost, inserting the "books" and sowing some seeds.
Thanks for all your help and patience!!

I insert the books first, then fill with compost - less faff

[Alison]

I insert the books first, then fill with compost - less faff

It had never occurred to me to try and fill them before inserting them

[Florence Fennel]

VVG's right VC, far less faff

[veggiechicken]

Just as well I haven't taken them out of the bag yet! Maybe I try assembling one.....

[chris]

Ahhh, so that's how its done

I usually fold them up, stick them in the frame and fill with compost, prodding each cell down with my finger. I'll try that method next!

VC - I should have left when you did, I just *rinsed* my bank account !